Girl Crush: Ducati’s Italian Masterpieces

I have to admit, I didn’t know too much about motorcycles before I was lucky enough to work on the North American launch of Ducati’s 1199 Panigale last February. We threw an awesome party at Jorge’s to celebrate the arrival and unveiling of the new “Superbike.” I was floored to see nearly 50 Ducati riders arrive all together in one big Ducati happy family. It was seriously amazing.

After hearing rumors that Ducati would be releasing a lineup of new 2014 models, I became a tad excited. Okay, so I don’t own a Ducati…but what girl doesn’t like a man on a bike? The adventurous side of me secretly wants to own one, or maybe just go for a joy ride.

After doing some research, I found that women actually find it easier to ride Ducatis and other street bikes because they make it possible for your ankles and heels to be aligned while riding. Basically they make it easier for a woman to use her hip and leg power to maneuver the bike, rather than her arms. I guess there’s still hope! Marty Scribner of AMS Ducati Dallas and Steve Nash, the company’s president and founder, gave me the scoop on some of the 2014 models and what’s coming up next for the brand here in Dallas.

The 2014 Ducati 899 Panigale
This superbike has been causing a flurry of rumors on the internet since the unveiling of the 1199 model pictured above. Unveiled on Sept. 9 in Frankfurt, Germany, during the IAA International Motor Show, this model is designed to “provide the thrill of the new generation flagship model with the refined character of an everyday streetbike,” according to Cycle News.

Expect nearly 150hp in this baby. It has the same wheels as the 1199, but its “unique technological features and exceptional design sets it apart from any other motorcycle manufacture, creating the most thrilling motorcycle experience on the planet,” said Nash. It boasts a frameless design, doublesided swing arm and lower-spec suspension and brakes. Are you drooling yet? Available in Ducati red with black wheels or arctic white with red wheels for around $15K, it’ll be on the market this November.

The 2014 Ducati Scrambler
Ducati went out and trademarked the name for this new hipster bike a few months ago. Since then, the Internet has been buzzing with rumors of the new model and what features it has in store. In one corner, it’s said to be an air-cooled single-cylinder smaller machine. Call it a gateway bike if you will. Other sources claim this new model will be based off of the Hypermotard bike with a modular internal framework.

Though he hasn’t released many details, CEO Claudio Domenicali told “Ask Men in September that the new bikes will be “premium products” to attract high-end buyers. “We’re not looking for low cost and low capacity motorcycles,” he said. Unfortunately, we won’t know all of the details on the full range of new 2014 Ducati models until the EICMA, short for the most awesome international bike convention ever, this November in Milan, Italy. Domenicali did confirm that the brand plans to add four premium bikes for 2014 though. Until then, you’ll just have to see if Nash or Scribner will give you the scoop.

Where can you find them near you?
AMS Ducati Dallas is teaming up with Boardwalk Ferrari Maserati to show off their in-stock new 2014 models. Ride on over and join the crew at Aria Stone Gallery in the Dallas Design District on Friday, Oct. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. for some fun. Did I mention Boardwalk will be unveiling the brand new 2014 Maserati Quattroporte Q4? Talk about eye candy.